P4 of 10
Beat 67% of the field
Continental WinterContact TS 850 Test Results
Tested 2012 to 2015
9 publications
Tested 31 times by independent publications, the Continental WinterContact TS 850 has taken 21 test wins with an average finish of 2nd.
- 31Independent tests
- 21Test wins
- 26Podium finishes
- 2ndAverage finish
- 91%Field beaten on average
- 9Publications
31 tests, 2012 to 2015
- Test win
- Second
- Third
- Average 91%
Head-to-head record
Overall finishing position against the tyres that have most often shared a test with the Continental WinterContact TS 850. Only tyres tested alongside it at least three times are listed.
| Rival | Shared tests | Ahead | Behind | Level | Finished ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Nokian WR D3
25 shared: 24 ahead, 1 behind
|
25 | 24 | 1 | - | 96% |
 Michelin Alpin A4
23 shared: 20 ahead, 3 behind
|
23 | 20 | 3 | - | 87% |
 Pirelli Winter Snow Control Series 3
19 shared: 17 ahead, 2 behind
|
19 | 17 | 2 | - | 89% |
 Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D
17 shared: 15 ahead, 2 behind
|
17 | 15 | 2 | - | 88% |
 Semperit Speed Grip 2
14 shared: 14 ahead, 0 behind
|
14 | 14 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Hankook Winter i cept RS
14 shared: 14 ahead, 0 behind
|
14 | 14 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Goodyear UltraGrip 8
12 shared: 12 ahead, 0 behind
|
12 | 12 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Falken Eurowinter HS449
11 shared: 11 ahead, 0 behind
|
11 | 11 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Kleber Krisalp HP2
10 shared: 10 ahead, 0 behind
|
10 | 10 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Bridgestone Blizzak LM32
9 shared: 9 ahead, 0 behind
|
9 | 9 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Fulda Kristall Control HP
9 shared: 9 ahead, 0 behind
|
9 | 9 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Barum Polaris 3
9 shared: 9 ahead, 0 behind
|
9 | 9 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Vredestein Snowtrac 3
9 shared: 9 ahead, 0 behind
|
9 | 9 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Uniroyal MS+ 77
8 shared: 8 ahead, 0 behind
|
8 | 8 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
8 shared: 5 ahead, 3 behind
|
8 | 5 | 3 | - | 63% |
 BFGoodrich gForce Winter
7 shared: 7 ahead, 0 behind
|
7 | 7 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Firestone Winterhawk 3
7 shared: 7 ahead, 0 behind
|
7 | 7 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Goodyear UltraGrip 9
7 shared: 5 ahead, 2 behind
|
7 | 5 | 2 | - | 71% |
 Dunlop Winter Response 2
7 shared: 5 ahead, 2 behind
|
7 | 5 | 2 | - | 71% |
 Toyo Snowprox S953
6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind
|
6 | 6 | 0 | - | 100% |
Against its own line
The same record for the tyre it replaced and the tyre that replaced it.
| Tyre | Tests | Wins | Avg finish | Field beaten |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental WinterContact TS830 Predecessor | 10 | 3 | 2nd | 87% |
| Continental WinterContact TS 850 This tyre | 31 | 21 | 2nd | 91% |
| Continental WinterContact TS 860 Successor | 32 | 18 | 2nd | 86% |
Performance Analysis
Drawn from 29 tests. Updated November 11, 2025.
The Continental WinterContact TS 850 delivers outstanding, broadly balanced winter performance with exceptional consistency across snow and wet disciplines, translating into a superb average overall position of 2.2 over 29 tests. It amassed numerous overall wins across major European magazines (ADAC, Auto Express, Auto Zeitung, Auto Bild, AMS), frequently finishing top or top-three in mixed-condition evaluations. Patterns show repeat dominance in wet and snow braking/handling and strong overall drivability, with only occasional dips to 3rd-4th in competitive UHP sizes and a clear outlier in a single summer test. Wear was noted slightly higher than some rivals in one key test.
Its strengths are most pronounced in wet and snow performance and overall test-winning capability, including large comparison fields. Weaknesses are limited: slightly elevated wear in one test, mid-pack results in some UHP-focused winters, and very weak performance in the lone summer evaluation-contextually less relevant for a winter tyre but still notable.
Performance Strengths
-
Wet Weather Performance
Strong
Details
- Won wet braking and wet handling in 2013 AMS Sports Winter Tyre Test (1/8)
- Auto Bild 2014 Winter Test (3/16 overall) with strong wet scores; 2014 50 Tyre Braking Overview 4/48 indicates top-tier wet/snow stop
-
Snow Performance
Strong
Details
- Auto Bild 2015 Top 18 Winter Test winner (1/18), article notes dominance in snow tests
- Auto Bild 2013 Top 15 Shootout 3/15 with strong snow balance; 2013 Overview Braking 2/50
-
Overall Consistency and Awards
Strong
Details
- Overall wins: 2012-2014 ADAC (1/14, 1/14, 1/17, 1/15, 1/19 across sizes)
- Magazine wins: 2012 Auto Express 1/8, 2012-2014 Auto Zeitung 1/8 & 1/11, 2012 Auto Bild Top 15 1/15, 2014 AMS 1/10
-
All-round Winter Balance (dry/wet/snow/environmental)
Strong
Details
- 2015 Auto Bild Top 18: overall 1/18 for 'complete performance'
- 2013 AMS Sports: rarely finished outside top 3 across 11 disciplines
-
Qualification Strength in Large Fields
Strong
Details
- 2012 Auto Bild 42 Tyre Braking Test 1/43
- 2014 50 Tyre Braking Overview 4/48
-
Wet grip
Strong
in 11 of 18 tests
Details
Very balanced with top marks on snow, ice, dry roads, as well as low fuel consumption and wear. Especially good in the wet
- 2014 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 195/65 R15 (2014)top marks in the wet and on ice
- 2014 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 175/65 R14 (2014)excellent performance in the wet
- 2014 AMS Winter Tyre Test (2014)excellent in the wet
- 2014 AZ Winter Tyre Test (2014)A good all round performance
- 2014 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test (2014)
-
Snow traction
Strong
in 9 of 18 tests
Details
Very balanced with top marks on snow, ice, dry roads, as well as low fuel consumption and wear. Especially good in the wet
- 2014 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 195/65 R15 (2014)Best in snow
- 2014 AZ Winter Tyre Test (2014)good on snow
- 2014 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 175/65 R14 (2014)The Conti TS850 wins with a very good performance in the snow, and best marks on wet and dry roads
- 2013 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test (2013)Best scores on wet, snow and ice
- 2013 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 185/60 R15 (2013)
-
Rolling resistance
Strong
in 7 of 18 tests
Details
low rolling resistance
- 2014 AMS Winter Tyre Test (2014)Very balanced with top marks on snow, ice, dry roads, as well as low fuel consumption and wear. Especially good in the wet
- 2014 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 195/65 R15 (2014)Fuel Efficient rolling resistance
- 2013 Auto Bild Sports Winter Tyre Test (2013)a fuel efficient rolling resistance
- 2013 Auto Bild Top 15 Winter Tyre Shootout (2013)Low fuel consumption and wear
- 2013 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 185/60 R15 (2013)
-
Dry grip
Strong
in 6 of 18 tests
Details
Very balanced with top marks on snow, ice, dry roads, as well as low fuel consumption and wear. Especially good in the wet
- 2014 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 195/65 R15 (2014)excellent in the wet and dry
- 2014 AZ Winter Tyre Test (2014)A good all round performance
- 2014 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test (2014)The Conti TS850 wins with a very good performance in the snow, and best marks on wet and dry roads
- 2013 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test (2013)Especially good on dry and wet roads
- 2013 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 225/45 R17 (2013)
Performance Weaknesses
-
Wear / Tread Life
Minor
Details
- 2015 Auto Bild Top 18 winner noted 'slightly higher wear than some of the competition'
- Mentioned as the only notable drawback in the winning assessment
-
UHP-Size Competitiveness Variability
Moderate
Details
- 2015 AMS UHP Winter Test 4/10 despite strong brand expectation
- 2015 Auto Express Winter Test 4/8 in 225/45 R17
-
Summer Performance (off-mission)
Strong
Details
- 2014 Test World Summer Tyre Test 15/16
- Significant drop versus summer-focused rivals
-
Road noise
Moderate
in 2 of 18 tests
Details
Slightly louder than the best in the test
- 2013 Auto Bild Sports Winter Tyre Test (2013)Higher cabin noise than some of the other leading winter tyres
- 2012 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test (2012)
Do owners agree with the tests?
Every tester write-up on the Continental WinterContact TS 850 (18 tests) and 44 owner reviews were tagged for the aspects they judge. Where both have spoken, this is how they line up.
Where owners and testers agree
- Wet grip strength in 11 of 18 tests 19 praise, 4 criticise of 44 reviews · Read those reviews
- Snow traction strength in 9 of 18 tests 21 praise, 1 criticise of 44 reviews · Read those reviews
- Dry grip strength in 6 of 18 tests 13 praise, 1 criticise of 44 reviews · Read those reviews
- Tread life strength in 5 of 18 tests 7 praise, 2 criticise of 44 reviews · Read those reviews
- Rolling resistance strength in 7 of 18 tests 5 praise, 0 criticise of 44 reviews · Read those reviews
- Ride comfort strength in 5 of 18 tests 9 praise, 1 criticise of 44 reviews · Read those reviews
Where they disagree
- Steering feel strength in 1 of 18 tests 1 praise, 3 criticise of 44 reviews · Read those reviews
Raised by owners, not by any test of this tyre
- Value for money no test mentions it 5 praise, 1 criticise of 44 reviews · Read those reviews
- Sidewall stiffness no test mentions it 0 praise, 4 criticise of 44 reviews · Read those reviews
- Warm-weather behaviour no test mentions it 1 praise, 3 criticise of 44 reviews · Read those reviews
- Even wear no test mentions it 1 praise, 3 criticise of 44 reviews · Read those reviews
Every test, newest first 31
Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.
2015 7 tests
P1 of 8
Beat 100% of the field
P4 of 8
Beat 57% of the field
2015 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test
Impressive wet grip combined with low rolling resistance
P1 of 18
Beat 100% of the field
P6 of 16
Beat 67% of the field
P1 of 19
Beat 100% of the field
P3 of 51
Beat 96% of the field
2014 8 tests
P1 of 10
Beat 100% of the field
2014 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test
A good all round performance with few compromises make this a winter tyre winner
P1 of 11
Beat 100% of the field
2014 AZ Winter Tyre Test
The Continental WinterContact TS850 wins this test. Best in snow, excellent in the wet and dry, the TS850 is a very safe winter tyre
P1 of 10
Beat 100% of the field
P1 of 14
Beat 100% of the field
P1 of 14
Beat 100% of the field
P3 of 16
Beat 87% of the field
P4 of 49
Beat 94% of the field
P15 of 16
Beat 7% of the field
2014 Test World Summer Tyre Test
The Continental TS850 P is a european winter tyre included for comparison purposes. While it wasn't last in wet braking (the Hercules was the worst summer tyre) it did stop 5.6 meters later than the best summer tyre (Apollo) from 50mph. While not the best tyre on test, it shows a high quality mid european winter tyre can be used year round, and you'll still have more grip than using a cheap chinese summer tyre
2013 9 tests
P1 of 8
Beat 100% of the field
2013 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test
The Conti TS850 wins with a very good performance in the snow, and best marks on wet and dry roads
P1 of 9
Beat 75% of the field
P3 of 15
Beat 86% of the field
2013 Auto Bild Top 15 Winter Tyre Shootout
Recommended
P2 of 9
Beat 88% of the field
P2 of 50
Beat 98% of the field
P1 of 8
Beat 100% of the field
2013 AMS Sports Winter Tyre Test
Particularly recommended
P1 of 17
Beat 100% of the field
P1 of 15
Beat 100% of the field
P1 of 9
Beat 100% of the field
2013 ACE Winter Tyre Test
Highly Recommended
2012 7 tests
P1 of 9
Beat 100% of the field
P1 of 15
Beat 100% of the field
2012 Auto Bild Top 15 Winter Tyre Test
Exemplary
P1 of 8
Beat 100% of the field
P1 of 3
Beat 100% of the field
2012 Winter Tyre Buying Guide
Developed to replace the multiple award winning TS 830, Continental had a real challenge making the TS 850 better than the outgoing model, but somehow they've managed it. It has featured in five of the 2012 winter tyre tests, and has placed first in every one. It manages to offer class leading performance in the dry, wet and snow, while offering good wear and rolling resistance scores. The only negative we could find is it was beaten in slushy conditions by other tyres, and it's not the cheapest tyre on test. We believe it to be a price worth paying, and believe this is the best winter tyre on the market for wheel sizes 16" and under.
P1 of 16
Beat 100% of the field
P1 of 8
Beat 100% of the field
2012 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test
The new TS 850 from Continental is balance and extremely safe to drive on
P1 of 43
Beat 100% of the field
Back to the Continental WinterContact TS 850 overview
Owner reviews, sizes and EU label data, comparisons and the Tyre Reviews score. All Continental tyres